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If you are a smoker and want
to quit we can arrange a
consultation the local smoking
cessation service. You can self
refer on 0800 073 0638. For
committed smokers who have tried
other methods the practice does
offer a service that, whilst very
challenging, does benefit most
people. Please contact reception for
more information.
Beneficial health changes when you
stop smoking
Stop smoking and the body will begin
to repair the damage done almost
immediately, kick-starting a series
of beneficial health changes that
continue for years.
|
Time since quitting |
Beneficial health changes
that take place |
| 20 minutes |
Blood pressure and
pulse rate return to normal. |
| 8 hours |
Nicotine and carbon
monoxide levels in blood
reduce by half, oxygen
levels return to normal. |
| 24 hours |
Carbon monoxide will
be eliminated from the body.
Lungs start to clear out
mucus and other smoking
debris. |
| 48 hours |
There is no nicotine
left in the body.
Ability to taste and smell
is greatly improved. |
| 72 hours |
Breathing becomes
easier.
Bronchial tubes begin to
relax and energy levels
increase. |
| 2 - 12 weeks |
Circulation improves. |
| 3 - 9 months |
Coughs, wheezing and
breathing problems improve
as lung function is
increased by up to 10%. |
| 1 year |
Risk of a heart
attack falls to about half
that of a smoker. |
| 10 years |
Risk of lung cancer
falls to half that of a
smoker. |
| 15 years |
Risk of heart attack
falls to the same as someone
who has never smoked. |
Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are the
physical and mental changes
that occur following
interruption or termination
of drug use. They are
normally temporary and are a
product of the physical or
psychological adaptation to
long-term drug use,
requiring a period of
re-adjustment when the drug
is no longer ingested. In
the case of smoking, some of
these are: |
|
Withdrawal symptom |
Duration |
Proportion of those
trying to quit who are
affected |
|
Irritability/aggression |
Less than 4 weeks |
50% |
| Depression |
Less than 4 weeks |
60% |
| Restlessness |
Less than 4 weeks |
60% |
| Poor concentration |
Less than 2 weeks |
60% |
| Increased appetite |
Greater than 10 weeks |
70% |
| Light-headedness |
Less than 48 hours |
10% |
| Night-time awakenings |
Less than 1 week |
25% |
| Craving |
Greater than 2 weeks |
70% |
Want to find
out more?
There are many websites which you
can visit which can inform about the
dangers of smoking and about the
support available to people who want
to quit. Below are a sample some
useful websites – just click the
links to find out more:
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